The aim of the courses is to learn new skills, or for those with some experience to further develop existing skills in silk painting, batik, machine embroidery, reverse appliqué and collage, and new for 2011, Nuno felting.
Within each technique there are many possibilities, you may choose to work with all of the techniques or to select one or two for further development. The courses are suitable for beginners or for those with some experience. The idea is to relax, be creative and enjoy yourself!
The development of ideas will be up to the individual and can be as flexible as required. Help and guidance will be available to encourage your development. Take a look at the students gallery pages to see some of the fabulous work produced by our students in France and Shropshire.
Click here for the full agenda
The development of ideas will be up to the individual and can be as flexible as required. help and guidance will be available to encourage your development.
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Machine embroidery/layering/reverse appliqué |
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You will learn how to do free machine embroidery, using straight and zigzag stitches to create line and texture which can be used to enhance pieces of batik, silk painting or nuno felting (depending on the course you choose) You will also learn how to do reverse appliqué, by layering, stitching and cutting in to fabric, and cutwork using machine embroidery on loose weave fabrics. |
Cow Parsley
Machine Embroidery on Batik on Canvas
- Jenny O'Leary |
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Batik |
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Batik is the art of dying and decorating fabric, or paper, using hot wax as a resist. Simple or complicated designs can be developed once the technique has been mastered. Traditionally batik is worked onto white fabric, building up successive layers of dye, working from light to dark to create a design.
We will begin our work on batik by experimenting with batik on tissue paper using bleach and dyes to create amazing effects - you may get hooked! You will also learn how to do batik on paper and fabric .Techniques and skills will be taught to allow confidence to develop and to encourage experimentation - that's when the fun starts! |
Still Life
Batik on paper
Jenny O'Leary |
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Painting onto silk complements batik, and in fact the two techniques can be combined. Silk is a luxurious fabric and quite stunning results can be achieved with a little practice. Gutta, used as an outliner creates a resist, similar to the use of wax when doing batik, and can be used in coloured form to draw and decorate as part of a design. Salt can also be used to create amazing textures and patterns, as it resists the dye. You will also learn other forms of resist such as using stencils, and tie dye.
You will be able to produce samples of all of these techniques as well as one or two finished pieces.
Some silk is provided for samples, larger pieces are available to buy as are silk scarves or you may bring your own |
Poppy Heads
Silk Painted Chiffon
Jenny O'Leary
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Nuno felting is the exciting technique of felting wool to silk or fine weave fabric such as muslin, to create new fabric. The possibilities with this technique are endless, you can create fabulous effects in terms of texture and color. You will be able to experiment with different techniques to gain confidence and skill and then be able to make a nuno felt scarf or hanging. You will get addicted! |
Nuno felt on silk chiffon
Jenny O'Leary |
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All images are the work of Jenny O'Leary.
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Shropshire Hills
Batik on paper
Jenny O'Leary |
Two trees
Machine embroidery on Batik on paper
Jenny O'Leary |
French Poppies
Batik on paper
Jenny O'Leary |
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